Aurat March core body defends bodily rights, presents manifesto.

LAHORE -- The Aurat March manifesto was launched formally on Thursday at the Lahore Press Club. The manifesto revolves around 'Khud Mukhtari' or independence of women.

The 15-point manifesto demanded an end to the IMF-sponsored economic policies and budget cuts as well as immediate control of inflation of basic foods whose burden was felt by working-class women and gender and sexual minorities. It demanded a minimum of Rs40,000 fixed wages for workers.

Likewise, they spoke bodily rights, especially in the context of the ongoing controversy regarding one of the slogans of Aurat March. The committee explained that demanding bodily rights was a basic human rights, regardless of age. It extended to children as well, and was especially important to think of with regard to the widespread incidents of child sexual abuse and murder, all over the country.

Some reporters challenged the slogan and said that the march had been banned, to which the core committee explained that the march was not banned as per court clear directives, as this was their right.

There was also some objections relayed to the committee regarding their slogan 'mera jism meri marzi' (my body, my right). An argument ensued following which women activists began chanting the slogan loudly, especially as they were being pushed to admit whether this slogan was part of their manifesto or not.

Farida Shaheed said it was obvious that those who proudly claimed they were anti-Aurat March did not even understand what the slogan meant.

At one point when journalists' arguments began growing louder, she asked them, 'Who has a right over your bodies?'

There was no reply. 'Out of 15 points of the manifesto, they found only one to talk about,' said Ms Shaheed.

'They seem to be quite insecure and afraid about this side of the conversation. When you talk about human rights, we are referring to a person, and his or her body,' she said.

'We speak of rape cases and sexual harassment even of little girls, yet no one thinks of all that.'

Another core body member Neelum Hussain said that when...